CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Travelers flying through Charlotte Douglas International Airport may want to plan for extra time before their flights in the coming days.
Airport officials say staffing levels for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) could impact security wait times as the partial government shutdown affecting the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues.
In a statement, CLT Airport encouraged passengers to arrive early and allow additional time to get through security screening. Travelers can also check real-time security wait times on the airport’s website and the CLT Airport mobile app.
According to a report from The Hill, travelers across the country are already reporting long lines at airports as the shutdown stretches into its fourth week.
Several major hubs, including Charlotte, have warned passengers to arrive hours ahead of scheduled flights because security screenings could take longer.
Lawmakers remain at a standstill over DHS funding. Democrats have pushed for reforms to immigration agencies as part of a funding agreement, while Republicans have rejected proposals that would fund the TSA and other agencies separately from immigration enforcement.
As the stalemate continues, TSA officers are expected to miss paychecks this week, adding to concerns about staffing levels at airports nationwide.
